6-methylene-3-oxo-delta4-steroids and process for their preparation



United States Patent 3,112,305 6-METHYLENE-3-0XO-A*-TEROHDS AND PREC- ESS FOR THE PREPARATION David Neville Kirk and Vladimir Petrow, London, England, assignors to The British Drug Houses Limited No Drawing. Filed Nov. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 150,177 Claims priority, application Great Britain Nov. 7, 1960 24) Qlaims. (Cl. 269-43955) This invention is for improvements in or relating to organic compounds and has particular reference to steroidal materials containing an additional carbon substituent at C6.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and general process for the preparation of 6-methylene-3oxo-A -steroids.

We have made the surprising discovery that the steroidal products of our copending application No. 150,176, filed on November 6, 1961, now Patent No. 3,095,411 which may be regarded structurally as the S-enol ethers of 6-hydroxymethyl-3-oxo-A -steroids may be converted by the process of this invention into the corresponding 6-methylene-3-oxo-A -steroids.

This is a discovery of outstanding importance in the field of steroid technology. Many of the herein described derivatives possess valuable biological properties which render them of value in, for example, the veterinary field. Thus, for example, the derivatives of 17fi-hydroxyandrostane which fall within the scope of the present invention may possess anabolic, androgenic and claudogenic properties. The derivatives of l7u-acyloxypregnan-20-one which fall within the scope of the present invention may possess progestational properties when administered by the oral route. The derivatives of l6a,17a-isopropylidenedioxypregnan-20-one may likewise show progestational activity as well as claudogenic activity. Claudegenic activity will, in general, also be shown by derivatives of 9a fluoropregnan 1lfi,17a,21 trihydroxy 20-one, 17a,2l-dihydroxypregnane-11,20-dione, 11B,l7e,21-trihydroxypregnane-20-one and by the Zl-acyl and 17,21-diacyl derivatives thereof. In addition, such compounds may show glucocorticoid activity.

The compounds of the present invention form exceptionally convenient intermediates for the preparation of the therapeutically valuable Sci-methyl steroidal hormones of the androstane and pregnane series, which compounds are now well-known in clinical practice, and into which they may be converted, for example by catalytic hydrogenation followed by treatment with very dilute ethanolic hydrochloric acid or potassium hydroxide. In addition the products of the present invention represent novel types of steroidal materials which themselves possess intrinsic values as building blocks for other types of steroidal materials containing a C carbon substituent. Thus, for example, they may be expected to react with a variety of reagents such as the halogens, peracids, and to undergo hydrogenation. The numerous possibilities for reaction possessed by the products of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide pharmaceutical preparations of the biologically active materials.

The present invention provides new 6-methylene-3-oxo- A -steroids including the Formula I below.

ice

The invention provides the following new products:

6-methylene cortisone 2l-acetate 6-methylene cortisone 17,21-diacetate which are of value on account of their claudogenic activity and as intermediates for the preparation of the 6-methylated corticoids into which they may be converted by catalytic hydrogenation I I 6-methylene-17,20,20,2l-bismethylenedioxy cortisone 6-methylene 17,20,20,2l bismethylenedioxy hydrocortisone 21 acetoxy 17a hydroxy-6-methylenepregna-4,9(11)- diene-3,20-dione which are of value as intermediates for 6-methylenic corticoids and 6-methyl corticoids into which they may be converted as hereinabove described or by methods of prior art 17a-acetoxy-6,16-dimethylenepregn-4-ene-3,ZO-dione 17a-acetoxy-6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione 17a acetoxy 16oz methyl 6 methylenepregn 4 ene- 3,20-dione 17m acetoxy 16 ethylidene 6 methylenepregn-4- ene-3,2O-dione 17a acetoxy 21 fluor'o 6 methylenepregn 4-ene- 3,20-dione which are of value on account of their progestational and/ or claudogenic activity 6-methylene-l6a,l7a isopropylidencdioxypregn 4 ene- 3,20-dione 6-met hyleneprogesterone which are of value on account of their progestational and claudogenic properties 17,8 acetoxy 2a methyl 6 methyleneandrost-4-en-3- one 17,8-acetoxy-6-methyleneandrost-4-en-3-one l7B-acetoxy-6-methy1ene-l9-norandrost-4-en-3-one 6-methylenetesterone 17,8 acetoxy 17a methyl 6 methyleneandrost-4-en- 3-one 17g propionoxy 6 methylene-17a-vinylandrost-4-en- 17a-methyl-6-methylenetestosterone which are of value on account of their androgenic/anabolic/claudogenic activity and as intermediates for the preparation of the corresponding 6-methylated steroids 16 methyl 6 methylenepregna-4,l6-diene-3,20-dione 6-methylene-25D-spirost-4-en-3-one ZOfl-acetoxy-6-methylenepregn-4-en-3-one 1 1a,17B-cliacetoxy-6-methyleneandrost-4-en-3-one 6 nlethylenepregna 4,17(20) dien-3-one-21-oate ethyl es er fi-rnethyleneandrost-4-ene-3,l7-dione which are of value as novel intermediates convertible, for example, into the corresponding 6-rnethyl steroids by catalytic hydrogenation 6-methylene testololactone which is of value as an intermediate in the preparation of other derivatives of testolactone into which it may be converted, for example, by oxidation, reduction or halogenation 6 methylene 17,8 propionoxy-l7u-(prop-l'-ynyl) androst-4-en-3-one which has progestational activity 6 [6 methylene 3-oxo17,8-hydroxyand-rost-4-en-17ayl]propionic acid lactone which is of value as an intermediate in the preparation of the corresponding 6&- methyl lactone, into which it may be converted by hydrogenation and which product is known by those skilled in the art to be a potent aldosterone antagonist 6-mcthylenedesoxycorticosterone acetate which is of value as an intermediate in the preparation of the corresponding 6-methyl derivative into which it may be converted by hydrogenation. According to the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of 6-rnethylene-3-oXo-A steroids including the formula CH2 (I) CLI'JOH wnere R is O-alkyl, O-hydroxyalkyl, O-cycloalkyl, O- alkaryl or a functional derivative thereof with an acidic reagent.

An unexpected feature of the present invention is the rapidity and ease with which the 6-hydroxymethyl derivatives pass into 3-oXo-A -methylene products in high yield.

Conversion of the 6-hydroxymethyl derivatives into the corresponding 6-methylene-3-oXo-A -steroids is effected by reagents which are known by prior art to regenerate 3-oxo-A -steroids from the corresponding 3-enol ethers. Such reagents are acidic in character and include procedures, by Way of example, such as solution of the steroid in acetic acid followed by dilution with water, treatment with catalytic quantities of acids including toluene-p-sulphonic acid in such solvents as aqueous dioxan, treatment with sulphuric acid in ethanol, or with Lewis acids in acetone. Thus, for example, when the preferred methyl-, ethyland benzyl enol ethers are employed their fission to the corresponding 3-oxo-A -6-methylene steroids may be achieved by dissolving them in warm acetic acid and subsequently diluting the resulting solutions with water, when the required products will be precipitated, generally in a crystalline form.

The 6-hydroxymethyl starting materials (II) used in the present invention are described in our copending application No. 150,176. They are prepared from the S-enol ethers of steroidal 3-oXo-4-enes which may additionally be substituted by Hydroxyl and acyloXy groups and functional derivatives thereof in such positions as 11, 12, 16 (including 16- hydroxymethyl), 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 21 (including the condensation products of 16a,17a-glycols with carbonyl components). Thiol groups at C are unaffected.

Carbonyl groups such for example as carbonyl groups at 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20.

Carbalkoxy groups at C C C or in the side chain.

Cyano groups at C C and C Alkyl groups, in particular Me groups at C C C C C and ethyl at C Alkenyl and alkynyl groups in particular vinyl and allyl at C propynyl and chloroethynyl at C Methylene and ethylidene groups at C C and C groups as benzylidene at C Lactone, ether and spiroketal residues: Spirolactone residues such as -O.CO.CH .CH attached to C etheric groups at C and bridging C and spiroketel i moieties such as are present in diosgenone, 20,20-ethylenedioxy groups, 17,17-ethylenedioxy groups and similar functional derivatives.

Halogen groups and in particular chlorine and fluorine at 9 C16 and 21- Unsaturated linkages in particular at C C C C and 017(20)- Ketol groups in particular acylated ketol groups at GIG-C17, 1'r- 20 and 20-12- Cortical side chains, both acylated, or converted into such protective derivatives as bismethylenedioxy, cyclic carbonates cyclic acetonides or orthoformates.

Epoxides and halohydrins, particularly at C The 3-enol ethers of the steroidal 3-oxo-4-enes are reacted with the Vilsmeier reagent in a solvent such as methylenedichloride at 0 C. followed by hydrolysis of the resulting iminium salts when the corresponding 6-formyl derivatives are obtained. Reduction of these 6-formyl derivatives as described in our copending ap plication No. 150,176, for example, catalytically with Raney nickel (rendered non-alkaline for example by ethyl acetate treatment) or with platinum on charcoal (in a sodium acetate buffer) yields the required 6-hydroxymethyl derivatives (II).

The process of the invention may be applied to the 6-hydroxymethyl derivatives derived from the following steroids and acyl derivatives thereof.

T esterosterone Z-methyltestosterone 17a-methyltestosterone 9 (1 1)-dehydro-17a-methyltestosterone 17e-propynyltestosterone 17a-acy1oxyprogesterone 9(11)-dehydro-17a-acyloxyprogesterone 16-methyl-17a-acyloxyprogesterone 9(11)-dehydro-16-methyl-17a-acyloxyprogesterone 16-methylene-17a-acyloxyprogesterone 9( 11)-dehydro-16-methylene-17a-acyloxyprogesterone 17a-acy1oxy-16-ethylideneprogesterone 16oz,17u-dimethylrnethylenedioxyprogesterone 9(11)-dehydro :,170: dimethylmethylenedioxyprogesterone Cortisone 16-methy1cortisone 2 l-methylcortisone 16-methylenecortisone 16tx-hyclroxycortisone and the (16a, l7e)-acetonide thereof Hydrocortisone 16-methylhydrocortisone 2 l-methylhydrocortisone 16-methylenehydrocortisone 16u-hydroxyhydrocortisone and the 1611,1701) -acetonide thereof 17a,2l-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20-dione 16-methyl-17tx,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11) diene 3,20-

dione 2l-methyl-17a,21-dihydroxypregna-4,9(11) diene 3,20-

dione 16-methylene 1704,21 dihydroxypregna 4,9(11) diene- 3,20-dione 16a-hydroxy 17u,21 dihydroxypregna 4,9(11) diene- 3,20-dione and the (16,17)-acetonide thereof 21 fluoro 17a-hydroxypregna-4,9( l1)-diene-3,20-dione and the (16,l7)-acetonide thereof 21-fluoro-17ot-hydroxypre gn-4-ene-3,1 1,20-trione and the (16,17)-acetonide thereof 21-fiuoro-11,17a-dihydroXypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione and the (16, 17 -acetonidc thereof 21-hydroxypregna-4, l7-dien-3-one 11-oXo-21-hydroXypregna-4,17-dien-3-one 11,21-dihydroxypregna-4,17-dien-3-one 9(11)-dehydr0-21-hydroxypregna-4,l7-dien-3-one 3-oXopregna-4,17-dienoic acid (esters) 3,11-di0xopregna-4,17-dienoic acid (esters) Following is a description by way of example of methods of carrying the invention into etfect.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of d-Methylene-l 6a,] 7a-Is0pr0pylidenedi0xypregn-4-Ene-3,20-Di0ne 3 ethoxy 6-hydroxymethyl-16a,l7a-isopropylidenedioxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one (1 g.) was dissolved in acetic acid (4 ml.) with gentle warming. Water was added dropwise until crystals began to separate. Purification from aqueous methanol gave 6-methylene-1'6a,'17a-isopropy1idenedioxypregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione as feathery needles, M.P. 225 C., with decomposition, [06113 +253 C.

A228? 259 to 260 mu (6 11,200)

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of 17oc,20 220,21-Bismethylenedioxy-tS-methylenepregn'4-Ene-3J1-Di0ne 17 a,20:20,21 bismethylenedioxy 3-ethoxy-6-hydroxymethylpregna-3,5-dien-ll-one (l g.) was warmed in acetic acid ml.) for /2 hour and the solution gradually diluted with water. The precipitated solid was recrystallised from aqueous methanol to yield 17a,20:20,21-bismethylenedioxy 6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,ll-dione as needles, M.P. 201 to 203 C., [od +120 (c., 1.1 1 in CHCl W 258.5 ma 11,480)

The 6-methylene bismethylenedioxy derivative was treated with aqueous formic acid for 30 minutes on a steam bath, the mixture poured into water and the prodnot isolated with ether. It was hydrolysed, acetylated and purified from aqueous-methanol to give G-methylene-cortisone acetate, M.P. 19 1 to 193 C., +355 (c., 0.96 in CHCl A312? 257.5 ma (6 11,980)

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 6-Methylenepregna-4-En-3,ZO-Dione O OMe Me p ll CH2 3-met-hoxy-6-hydroxymethyl-pregna-3,S-dien-ZO-one (4 g.) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (20 ml.) by warming for '5 minutes on the steam bath. Addition of Water gave a sticky solid. This was extracted with ether, washed with sodium carbonate solution and water, dried =(anhydrous sodium sulphate) treated with charcoal and stripped in vacuo to give a gum. 6-methylenepregna-4-en-3,20- dione was isolated by chromatography on neutral alumina and was crystallised from aqueous acetone, M.P. 133 to 135 C., [04 +373 (c., 0.62 in CHC1 x323? 259 to 260 'my. (6 11,200)

EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of 6-Methyleneandr0st-4-Ene-3,17-Di0ne 3-ethoxy 6-formylandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one (2 g.) in dioxan (5-0 ml.) was treated with lithium cyanoborohydride (Drehfall and Keil, J. Prak. Chem., 1958, 6, '(1.2 g.) and the mixture heated at C. for 24 hours. The resulting 6-hydroxymethyl derivative, isolated with ether, was dissolved in acetic acid (25 ml.) by gentle warming. When solution was complete, the mixture was poured into water and the precipitated solids purified by crystallisation to give 6-methyleneandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione,

1750, 1675, 1620 and 1600 emf EXAMPLE 5 Preparation of 17,8-Acetoxy-Za-Methyl-6-Methyleneandr0st-4-En-3-One 17B acetoxy 3-ethoxy-6-hydroxymethyl-2a-methy1an drosta-3,S-diene (3 g.) was warmed in acetic acid ('10 ml.) and the solution diluted gradually with water. The separated solids were collected and purified. 17,8-acetoxy-2amethyl-'6-methyleneandrost-4en-3-one crystallised from methylene dichloride and methanol in plates, M.P. 179 to 181 C., +243 (c., 0.76 in CHCl A532? 257 to 260 III .4 (E 11,120)

EXAMPLE 6 Preparation of d-MethyIene-ZSD-Spirost-4-En-3-One 1675, 1620 and 1600 cm.

EXAMPLE 7 Preparation of 17a-Acetoxy-6,16-Bismethylenepregn-4- Ene-3,20-Di0ne 17a-acetoxy 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxy-l6- methylenepregna-3,5-diene-20-one 1 g.) was dissolved in acetic acid (20 ml.) by gentle warming. When solution was complete, the mixture was poured into water and the precipitated solids were collected and crystallised from methanol to give 17a-acetoxy-6,16-bismethylenepregn-4- ene-3,20'-dione, needles, M.P. 223 to 225 C., [a] +73 (c., 0.97 in chloroform) 'y 248 to 249 ma (6 10,810).

EXAMPLE 8 Preparation of 6-MethyIene-I6-Methy[-16- Delzydroprogesterone EXAMPLE 9 Preparation of 17,3-Acetoxy-6-Methyleneandr0st-4-En-3- One 17/9-acetoxy 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxyandrosta- 3,5-diene (5 g.) was dissolved in acetic acid (20 ml.) by gentle warming. The solution was then diluted with Water in portions so that the product separated in crystalline form. It was purified from aqueous methanol to give 6-methylenetestosterone acetate in prisms, M.P. 139 to 141 C.,

m, 260 to 262 m (6 11,540)

[111 +266 (c., 0.89 in CHCl y (in 01-1 61 1727, 1664, 1623 and 1599 cm.-

EXAMPLE 10 Preparation of 1 7 01-14 cetoxy-tS-MethyIenepragesterone 17a-acetoxy 6 hydroxyniethyl 3 methoxypregna- 3,5-diene-20-one (3 g.) was dissolved in acetic acid ml.) by gentle warming. The solution was diluted to turbidity with water, when 17a-acetoxy-6-methyleneprogesterone separated out slowly. Purified from ethyl acetate/chloroform it formed crystals, M.P. 238 to 244 C., +226 (c., 1.04 in CHClg),

A 260 m (e 13,960)

max.

7 (in CCl 3083, 1742, 1718, 1677, 1624 and 1599 cmr EXAMPLE 11 H CH:

Preparation of 6-Metlzylene Cortisone Acetate 6-hydroxymethyl cortisone acetate 3-enol ethyl ether (1.5 g.) was dissolved in 80% acetic acid (12 ml.) at 40 to 50 C. The solution was diluted with small portions of water to allow separation of the crystalline product. Purification from acetone/hexane gave 6- methylene cortisone acetate in prisms, M.P. 191 to 193 C. identical with the compound prepared in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation 0 6-Methylene Testosterone Acetate .Hydrolysis of 17a-acetoxy-3-benzyloxy 6 hydroxymethylandrosta-3,5-diene (0.5 g.) in 80% acetic acid (5 ml.) at 58 C. for 10 minutes, and dilution with water to turbidity, gave 6-'nethylene testosterone acetate, M.P. 139 to 141 C.

EXAMPLE 13 Preparation of J7a-Acet0xy-16-Ethylidene6-MethyIeneprogesterone 17a-acetoxy 16 ethylidene 6 hydroxymethyl-S- methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one was treated with acetic acid by the procedure of Example 7 to form 17et-acetoxy- 16-ethylidene6-methyleneprogesterone, M.P. 194 to 198 C.,

max.

EXAMPLE 14 Preparation of 6-Metlzylene-1 7 ,8-Pr0pi0n0xy-1 7 on- (Prop- 1 Ynyl) -A ndr0st-4-En-3-One A solution of 3-ethoxy-6-hydroxymethyl-17p-propionoxy-lM-(prop-Y-ynyl)androsta-3,5-diene (1 g.) in acetic acid (10 ml.) was heated on a steam bath for 10 minutes, cooled and water added. The precipitated solid was recrystallised from aqueous methanol to give G-methylene- 17,8-propionoxy 17a (prop-1-ynyl)androst-4-en-3-one needles, M.P. 141 to 142 C.,

7,222" 1730, 1675, 1025 and 1600 Cm. 1 +161 (0., 0.99 in chloroform).

EXAMPLE 15 Preparation of 21 -A cetoxy-J 7a-Hydrone-Methylenepregna-4,9(11 -Diene-3,20-Di0ne 21-acetoXy 17a hydroxy 6 hydroxymethyl-3- methoxypregna-3,5,9(11)-trien-20-one (1 g.) was dissolved in aqueous acetic acid (20 ml.) at 40 C. and the solution diluted with water, when the product separated. Purification from acetone/hexane gave 21- acctoxy-lh-hydroxy 6 methyleneprcgna-4,9(11)-diene-3,20-dione, M.P. 165 to 172 C., [a1 209 (c., 0.78 in chloroform).

EXAMPLE 16 Preparation of 6 Methylene Curtis-one 3-'nethoxy-6-hydroxyrnethy1-17a,21 methoxymethylenedioxypregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione was treated with 70% acetic acid for 16 hours at 30 C. Dilution with water gave 6-rnethy-lene cortisone, A 260 rn (e=11,800).

EXAMPLE 17 Preparation of 6-Metltylene Testosterone 17 3 hydroxy 3-tnethoxy-6'hydroxymethyl-androsta- 3,5-diene (0.6 g.) in acetone (10 ml.) was treated with 10% aqueous perchloric acid (2 drops) for 10 minutes at room temperature. Dilution with water gave a solid which was purified from aqueous ethanol. 6-methylene testosterone separated in needles, M.P. 175 C., [0:]; +292 (C., 1.01 in chloroform) A532? 259 ru (6 11,000)

EXAMPLE 18 Preparation of 1 7 fi-A cetoxy-I 7a-Met/zyI-6Metlzyleneandrost-4-En-3-One A solution of 17,6-acetoxy-6-formyl-3-methoxy-17amethylandrosta-3,5-diene (1 g.) in a mixture of dry tetrahydrofuran (15 ml.) and methanol (3 ml.) was treated with sodium borohydr-ide (300 mg). After stirring for 15 minutes, the mixture was poured into water (200 nil.) the product isolated by extraction with ether. The crude 6-hydroxymethyl derivative so obtained was dissolved in warm acetic acid (4 m1.) and water added. The product was isolated with ether and purified from a small volume of methanol to give 17/3-flC8iOXy-17mme-thyl-G-methyleneandrost-4-en-3-one, slender rods, M.P. 129 to 130 C., [04 +2l9 (c., 0.83 in dioxau) 1 260 m (6 11,800) 5 1730, 1680, 1625 and max.

EXAMPLE 19 Preparation of 6-Methylene-17B-Pr0pi0n0xy-Z7a- Vinylandrost-4-En-3-One 7221'? 1730, 1675, 1630 and 1600 cmf [01 +26l (c., 0.37 in chloroform) EXAMPLE 20 Preparation of 200Acetoxy-o-Methylenepregn- 4-En-3-One A solution of 20fi-acetoXy-3-ethoxy-6-hydroxymethylpregna-3,5-diene (2 g.) in acetic acid (10 ml.) was warmed to 100 C. for 10 minutes and the solution diluted with water. The precipitated product was crystallised from aqueous methanol to give 20,8-acetoXy-6-methylenepregn-4-en-3-one as needles, M.P. 176 to 178 C., [0],; +274.4 (c., 109 in chloroform) min.

EXAMPLE 21 Preparation of o-Methylene J 7,20,20,21-Bismethylertedioxyhydrocortisone A suspension of 170., 20:20,21-bismethylenedioXy-3- ethoxy-l1{3-hydroxypregna-3,5-dien [5.8 g., M.P. 190 to 193 C., [041 l87 (c, 1.08 in dioxan) prepared from 17ot,20:20,2l-bisrnethylenedioXy-3-ethoxypregna-3,S-dien-l1-one by prolonged reduction with sodium borohydride in boiling methanol] in ethylenedichloride (75 ml.) was added, at 0 C. to a stirred suspension of the complex prepared from phosgene (1.5 g.) and dimethylforrnamide (2.15 g.) in ethylenedichloride (25 ml). After 3 hours at room temperature the product was isolated and was reduced with sodium borohydride for 10 minutes at room temperature, in a mixture of tetrahyd-roiuran and methanol. The product obtained by dilution with water and extraction into ether, was treated with acetic acid at 100 C. for 10 minutes. Dilution with water precipitated 17c,20220,21-bismethy1enedioxy-l1fl-hydroxy-6-methlenepregn-4-en 3 one, which crystallised from dichloromethane/methanol as needles, M.P. 224 to 226 C., +167.7 =(c., 0.74 in chloroform) EtOH max.

261 to 262 m (0., 11,580)

EXAMPLE 22 Preparation of 17oc-Acet0xy-16a-MethyZ-6-Mcthyl0nepregn-4-Ene-3,Z0-Di0ne 17ot-Acetoxy-6-hyd roXymethyl-3-methoXy-16 x methylpregna-3,5-dien-20-one (0.5 g.) was dissolved in warm acetic acid (5 ml.) and after 3 minutes the product was precipitated by addition of water. 17u-acetoXy-16ot- 10 methyl-6-methylenepregn-4-ene 3,20 dione crystallised from aqueous methanol as needles A212? 258 to 259 m (e 0.920)

EXAMPLE 23 21-A cet0xy-6 -M ethyl enepregn-4-Ene3 ,ZO-Divne A solution of 21-acetoxy-6-l1ydroXymethyl-3arnethoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one (1 g.) in acetic acid (10 ml.) was kept at ca. C. for 15 minutes and then diluted with water. The crystalline solid obtained as the solution cooled was recrystallised from aqueous methanol to give 21-acetoXy-6-methylenepregn-4-ene-3,20-dione as flakes, M.P. 114 to 115 C., [(21 +306 (c., 0.75 in chloroform) A223, 260 Ill .1 (6 11,700)

EXAMPLE 24 6 -M ethy lene-Cortz'soneJ 7a,21-Diacetate CHzOAc O O ---OA0 Me I a 6-hydroxymethyl cortisone l7a.,2l-diacetate 3-methyl enol ether (0.4 g.) in acetic acid (20 ml.) was treated with a catalytic quantity (1 drop) of concentrated hydrochloric acid. After a few seconds, the solution was diluted with water and the precipitated material collected. The crude product yielded 6-methylene-cortisone-l7a,21-diacetate, M.P. 229 to 230 (3., [(11 +234 (c., 0.921 in CHCl A 256.5 m (6 10,910), after recrystallisation from methylene chloride/methanol.

EXAMPLE 25 6-M ethylene-1 7/3-Acet0xy-19-Nor-A ndr0st-4-En-3-0ne 6-hydroxyrnethyl-3-ethoxy-17fi-acetoxyandrost-3,S-diene (2.0 g.) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (8.0 ml.) by gently warming. Water was added dropwise, with stirring, and the resulting precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried. Recrystallisation from benzene/ hexane yielded 6-methylene-17fi-acetoxy-l9-nor-androst- 4-en-3-one as colourless needles,

[011 ca. 186 (0., 0.247 in CHCl A 265 111,11. (e

11,310), vggg 1741, 1677, 1624, 1595, 1449, 1373, 1301, 1321, 1286 emf, 5 2; 1320, 1285, 1244, 1209, 104e,

1022, 966, 009, 894, 785 cmr EXAMPLE 26 6 -M ethylene-1 7B-Acetoxy-19-N0r-Andr0st-4-En-3-One 6 hydroXymethyl-3-methoxy-17fl-acet0Xy-andr0sta-3,5- diene (1.0 g.) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (4.0 ml.) by gentle warming. Water was added dropwise, with stirring, and the resulting precipitate was collected,

1 l washed with water and dried. Recrystallisation from benzene/hexane yielded 6-methylene-l7fi-acetoxy-l9-norandrosta-4-en-3-one, identical with the sample reported in the previous example.

EXAMPLE 27 6-Methylenepregna-4J7(20)-Dieiz-3-One-21-Oate Ethyl Ester C O O Cz'Hs The 3-ethyl enol ether of 6-hydroxymethylpregna- 4,l7(20)-dien-3-one-2l-oate ethyl ester (0.8 g.) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (3.2 ml.) by gently warming. Water was added dropwise with stirring and the resulting precipitate was collected, washed with water, dried and recrystallised from methanol yielding 6-methylenepregna- 4,17(20)-dien-3-one-2l-oate ethyl ester, crystals, M.P. 161 to 162 C.,

[a] +25l 0., 0.930 in 011013), Am 224 to 225 111,. 20,520 1,, 257 m (6 11,020 1711, 1070,

' max.

1054, 1020, 1595, 1407, 1455, 1440, 1419, 1370, 1337, 1200 emf, 7 1330, 1207, 1203, 1223, 1170, 1152,

max.

1042, 902, 738 emf EXAMPLE 28 72:1? 1770, 1670, 1630, 1600 and 910 cm."

EXAMPLE 29 (a) 6-Melhylene Cortisone Acetate 21 acetoxy-l7u-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxypregna-3,5-diene-11,20-dione (2 g.) in 90% aqueous acetic acid (20 ml.) was heated at 85 to 90 C., for 45 minutes, then water was added until crystallisation commenced. The product was purified from ethanol to give 6-methylene cortisone acetate, MP. 190 to 192 C.

(b) 6-Methylene Cortisone Acetate 6-hydroxymethylcortisone 17,2l-acetonide 3-enol methylether (400 g.) in 90% aqueous acetic acid was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then the mixture was diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform was evaporated and the residue acetylated with acetic anhydride (2 ml.) and pyridine (1 ml.) at 50 C. for 1 hour. The product was precipitated into water and purified from ethanol, giving 6-n1ethylene cortisone acetate, MP. 190 to 192 C.

1.2 EXAMPLE 30 6-Melhyleneteslololactone 6-hydroxymethyltestololactone 3-enol methyl ether (0.4 g.) in aqueous acetic acid (4 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then water was added until crystallisation commenced. The product was purified from acetone/hexane to give 6-methylenetestololactone, 260 m (e=ll,900) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 3 1 1 1 41,1 7fl-Diacez0xy-6-Zd ethylcnemzdr0st-4-El1-3 -One :,170 diacetoxy 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxyandrosta-3,5-diene (0.5 g.) in 90 %aqueous acetic acid (4 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then water was added until crystallisation commenced. The product was purified from acetone/hexane to give lla,l7fi-diacetoxy- 6 methyleneandrost-4-en-3-one, A 260 m (e=l2,080)

in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 32 21 -Acetoxy-6-Zl4ethylenepregn(1-4,I7(20)Diane-3,1 I- Dione 21 acetoxy 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxypregna- 3,5,l7(20)-trien-11-one (200 mg.) in 90% aqueous acetic acid (4 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then water was added until crystallisation commenced. The

product was purified from acetone/hexane to give 21- acetoxy 6 methylenepregna-4,l7(20)-diene-3,1l-dione, Amax, 260 m (e=13,720) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 33 I5a-A cetoxy-fi-Mcthyleneprogesterone acetoxy 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxypregna- 3,5-dien20-ene (400 mg.) in 90% aqueous acetic acid (4 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then water was added until crystallisation commenced. The product was purified from acetone/hexane to give l5e-acetoxy-6- methylencprogestcrone A 260 nm (e=12,050) in ethanol.

13 EXAMPLE 34 6-M ethylene Testosterone Acetate 1718 acetoxy 3 ethoxy 6 hydroxymethylandrosta- 3,5-diene (400 mg.) in 90% aqueous acetic acid (4 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then water was added until crystal lis-ation commenced. The product was purified from aqueous methanol to give 6-methylene testosterone acetate, M.P. 141 to 144 C.

EXAMPLE 35 6-Methylene Testosterone Acetate 175 Acetoxy 3,8 ethoxyethoxy 6 hydroxyrnethyl- -androstal-3,5-diene (400 mg.) in 90% aqueous acetic acid (4 ml.) was heated at 90 C. for /2 hour, then water was added until crystallisation commenced. The product was purified from aqueous methanol to give 6-methylene testosterone acetate, M.P. 141 to 144 C.

EXAMPLE 3 6 1 6 a,1 7a-Epoxy-6-Methyleneprogesterone l6oc,l7oc epoxy 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one (1 g.) was heated with 80% aqueous acetic acid for 10 minutes at 80 C., then poured into water. The precipitated material was purified (from methanol to give 16m,17a-epoxy--methyleneprogesterone needles, M.P. 185 to 187 C., +305 (c., 0.95 in dioxan), k 261 m (e=11,610) in ethanol, m (in C01 3083, 1709, 1678, 1628 and 1600 cmf EXAMPLE 37 6-Methylene Testosterone Acetate 3 benzyloxy 6 hydroxymethylandrosta 3,5 dien- 17,8-ol (1 g.) in glacial acetic acid ml.) was treated with one drop of concentrated sulphuric acid for 16 hours at room temperature. Gradual dilution With water caused separation of -methylene testosterone acetate which after purification from aqueous methanol had M.P. 141 to 144 C.

EXAMPLE 38 6-Methylenepregm-4-Ene-3J1,ZO-Trione 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxypregna 3,5 diene- 11,20-dione (1 g.) in 90% aqueous acetone (20 ml.) was treated with toluene-p-sulphonic acid (50 mg.) for 2.5 hours at 30 to 35 C. Dilution with water gave 6- methylenepregn 4 ene 3,11,20-trione, )t 260 m (e=10,600) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 39 6-MethyleIneandr0st-4-Ene-3,1 7-Dz'0ne 6 hydroxymethyl 3 methoxyandrosta 3,5 dien- 17-one (250 mg.) was treated with 90% formic acid at 80 C. for minutes then water was added, and the precipitated material was dried and purified from we tone/hexane to give 6-methyleneandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione in prisms, M.P. 163 to 165 C., +387 (c., 0.98 in chloroform, A 260.5 m (e=1l,140) in ethanol, 'y (in CCl 3080, 3035, 1743, 1676, 1627 and 1599 cm.

EXAMPLE 40 1 7a-Acet0xy-21 -Flu0r0-6-Methy lenepregn-4- Ene-3,20-Di0ne 14 pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, M.P. 205 to 207 C., +272 (0., 0.93 in HCHl EXAMPLE 41 9a-Fluoro-6-Methylenehya'rocortisone Acetate 21 acetoxy 90c fluoro 116,17a dihydroxy 6- hydroxymethyl 3 methoxypregna 3,5 dien 20 one (0.5 g.) was heated in 90% aqueous acetic acid (5 m1.) at to C. for 10 minutes, then water was added until the product separated out. The product was 90:- fiuoro-6-methylenehydrocortisone acetate, k 260 m (e:1l,120) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 42 1 7a-6-Methylenetestosterone 175 hydroxy 6 hydroxyrnethyl 3 -methoxy 17amethylandrosta-3,5-diene (2.5 g.) in acetic acid (30 ml.) was heated for 25 minutes at C. Addition of water gave a solid which was purified from aqueous methanol. 17u-methyl-6-methylene-testosterone separated in needles, M.P. to C., [(11 +245 (0., 0.6 in chloroform) EXAMPLE 43 6 -M ethylene-H ydrocortisone Acetate CH2OA0 21 acetoxy 11 (3,170: dihydroxiy 6 hydroxymethyl- 3-methoxypregna-3,5-dien-20-one (500 mg.) was heated in 95% aqueous acetic acid (3 ml.) for 10 minutes at 80 C., then precipitated into water. Purification from acetone/ hexane gave 6-methy1ene hydrocortisone acetate, A 260 ma (e=11,770) in ethanol.

EXAMPLE 44 6-M ethylene-913,1 Oat-Progesterone A solution of 6-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy-9/5,10apregna-3,5-dien-20-one (0.5 g.) in acetic acid (5 ml.) was kept at 100 C. for hour and poured into Water. The precipitated product was 6-methylene-9/3,low-progesterone, having 2351710, 1675, 1635 and 1605 cm.

We claim: 1. A process for the preparation of 6-methylene-3-oxo- N-steroids having in rings A and B of the steroid nucleus, the structure I CHzOH where R is selected from the group consisting of O-alkyl, O-hydroxyalkyl, O-cycloalkyl and Oa-1karyl, wherein the members of said group have from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, with an acidic reagent capable of regenerating 3-oxo- A -steroids from their corresponding 3-enol ethers to thereby effect such regeneration and concomitantly reduce the 6-hydroxymethyl group to a 6-rnethylene group.

2. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the acidic reagent is acetic acid.

3. 21 'acetoxy 17a hydroxy 6 methylenepregna- 4,9(1l)-diene-3,20-dione.

4. 17a acetoxy 6,16 dimethylenepregn 4-ene-3,20- dione.

5. 6 methylene 1612,1741 isopropylidenedioxyprcgn- 4-ene-3,20-dione.

6. 6-rnethyleneprogesteronc.

-7. 17,9-aeetoxy-2a-methyl 6 methyleneandrost-4-en- 3-one.

8. l75-acetoxy-6-methyleneandrost-4-en-3-one.

9. 6-methylenetestosterone.

10. 17fl-acetoxy-17u methyl 6 methyleneandrost-4- en-3-one.

-11. 17,8-propionoxy 6 methylene-l7a-vinyl-androst-4- en-3-one.

12. 16-methyl 6 methylenepregna 4,16-diene-3,20- dione.

13. 6-methylene-25D-spirost-4-en-3-one.

'14. ZOfl-acetoxy-6-rnethylenepregn-4-en-3-one.

15. 6-methylenepregna-4,17(20)-dien 3 one-2l-oate ethyl ester.

16. 6 methylene 17B propionoxy 17a (prop-1'- ynyl) -androst-4-en-3-one.

17. 1101,1713 diacetoxy 6 methylcneandrost 4 en- 3-one.

18. 6methylenetestololactone.

19. 9a-fiuoro-6-methylenehydrocortisone acetate.

20. 6-methylene-l7a-methyltestosterone.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,940,968 Sletzinger et a1. June 14, 1960 2,980,711 Colton Apr. 18, 1961 3,074,935 Fried et a1. Jan. 22, 1963 

1. A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 6-METHYLENE-3-OXO$4-STEROIDS HAVING IN RINGS A AND B OF THE STEROID NUCLEUS, THE STRUCTURE 